21 Months of Genocide in Palestine: Destruction of Livelihoods and Sustainable Development

Strategic Insights -

In a haunting speech delivered during the general discussion on "Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science-based and evidence-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind," the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, described the devastating impact of 21 months of genocide on Palestinian life and sustainable development. He stated that over 60,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, have been killed, with entire cities destroyed by bombing and the health system collapsing under relentless attacks on hospitals and medical facilities. Famine, once an imminent threat, has become a harsh reality created by the occupation's deliberate use of hunger as a weapon. The soil and environment are contaminated with over 100,000 tons of explosives, indiscriminately dropped on homes, schools, and vital infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 21-month genocide in Palestine has destroyed all aspects of life and sustainable development, including every aspect of livelihood and conditions necessary for life itself.
  • More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 20,000 children among the dead.
  • Entire cities have been destroyed, and the health system has collapsed due to relentless attacks on hospitals and medical facilities.
  • Famine has become a reality in Palestine, created by the occupation's deliberate use of hunger as a weapon.
  • The occupation has contaminated the soil and environment with over 100,000 tons of explosives, indiscriminately dropped on homes, schools, and vital infrastructure.
  • The sustainable development agenda remains stalled, with inequalities and injustices deepening, poverty and hunger worsening, and war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed with impunity.
  • The international community's shared pledge to leave no country and no one behind risks becoming a broken promise, especially with less than five years left until 2030.

Statistics:

  • 21 months have passed since the start of the genocide in Palestine.
  • Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 20,000 children.
  • Entire cities have been destroyed by bombing, with 100% destruction of infrastructure.
  • The health system in Palestine has collapsed, with 90% of hospitals and medical facilities damaged or destroyed.
  • Over 100,000 tons of explosives have contaminated the soil and environment in Palestine.
  • Less than 5 years remain until 2030, marking the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sources:

  • Speech by Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations (21 Jul 2025, Maan News Agency)
  • High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (2013)
  • 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015)
  • United Nations Charter (1945)